Cognito Studios Photography

The Beautiful Landscapes of Gombe State - Travel/Documentary Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 19:49:00 +0000

Last year I visited Gombe state to shoot a video documentary for a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Some of these photos were taken on the go, and some while stationary, in between locations.

Gombe state is a very beautiful place in terms of landscapes and nature. The vast undulating terrain is calming and a sight to behold. In clear weather, it is a photographers dream world. I found myself thinking many times how I wouldn't mind living in a place like Gombe, as long as I could surround myself with the beautiful scenery.

I would be happy to see Nigeria preserve and develop these landscapes into tourist destinations. We could create lodges, camps and farms around these locations.

Here are a few images taken during that trip. Shot with the Nikon d750 and edited in Luminar 4.

Please like and share if you agree with me that Nigeria indeed has some beautiful landscapes worth sharing with the world.

Wouldn't you rather shoot with us?

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:38:00 +0000

Most people say they want a photographer who is experienced enough to guarantee awesome photos in any situation. They want creativity, confidence, innovation and speed.

Since we started offering photography services in 2011, we have thrived through creativity, passion, commitment and a desire to do and be more.

Today many people come to our studio to mark their birthdays, create family memories and take portraits and headshots for their business and career profiles.

Why don’t you visit our studio today? No matter your photography needs, we have the team, the passion and the tools to deliver as quickly as possible.

Thanks for visiting. Do send us a message.

Fabulous at Four! Birthday Pictures with Cognito Studios Photography Abuja

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 10:37:00 +0000

The first thing we noticed about Debbie when we arrived at the studio for this shoot, was how authentically beautiful she is... But then, an apple rarely falls far from the tree. She has her mum to thank for that.. Mum did a wonderful job of make up, styling and transferring of good genes. Second is that she is a natural in front of the camera.. At the tender age of 4. So this was a really simple, fun and effortless shoot.

Happy 4th birthday Debbie, may you flourish like a palm tree and blossom like a 🌹 rose.

Cognito Studios Photography Abuja

Photo Sessions at Cognito Studios Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:16:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

It has been a while we posted here and we apologize for the long silence. But someone once said, "work hard in silence; let success make the noise". Indeed we have been busy. Since April, we moved to a new studio located at Ajose Adigun street, opposite Lebrex plaza, Utako, just about two blocks away from our old studio at Cherry Hill plaza.

The new studio is bigger and better, more comfortable and better equipped. We can host larger groups of people easily, like families who want a group portrait, acting or musical crews, etc. On the first day after moving, the studio was packed! Almost like people had been waiting for us to move.

Also the new place is more accessible. For us better access holds the promise of being able to do more of what we love to do, which is adding value to lives through creating images.

In another post, I will share photos of the new place. For now enjoy these few random images from recent sessions at the studio.

Portrait Photography with Cognito Studios Abuja

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 13:21:00 +0000

Outdoors Portrait Photography

In the studio with Debbie

In the studio with Dorris

In the studio with Kamsy

In the studio with the multi talented singer - Chiny

Birthday Photoshoot with Kamsy - Cognito Studios Photography Abuja

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 20:23:00 +0000

So you are celebrating a new year in your life?... give yourself a special treat. A photo shoot at our studio is one way to make the milestone memorable.

Kamsy came to do just that last month.

Christmas-themed photo shoot to mark the festive season - Merry Christmas from Cognito Studios Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 18:31:00 +0000

To mark this years Christmas celebrations we thought of something that would reflect the symbols of the season - and what better than colors. Gold, red, green - all bearing deeper meanings to the essence of Christmas. What does Christmas mean to you?

Enjoy these images put together by some of Abuja's most creative minds.

Make up and Styling: Kamsy

Model: Kamsy

Photo and Edits: Shawn Asala

Produced by Cognito Studios Abuja

Portrait Photography Sessions at Cognito Studios Abuja

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 14:52:00 +0000

Portrait photography aims to display the expression, personality, and mood of the subject. The focus of the photo is usually the person’s face, although the entire body and the background may be included.

The quality of a portrait photo relies on the photographer’s ability to take advantage of the subject’s pose and the light that is around him.

However, photographers will also use creative techniques to make sure a portrait photo has a desired outcome. At Cognito Studios, we always think up new ways to produce attention-grabbing photos. Recently we purchased some backdrops for the studio. We love the portraits we have produced since then. Lesson learnt - sometimes paying attention to your background after taking care of lighting, type of lens and techniques, helps to boost the wow factor in your photography.

See below some recent images:

Birthday Shoot, Cognito Studios Photography Abuja

Cognito Studios Photography Abuja

Studio Sessions with Beauty 'n Duty Accessories and Mikazzi Bracelets, Abuja

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:24:00 +0000

So a few days ago we found our studio filled up with some of the prettiest ladies in the city, all waiting to get shot for Mikazzi Bracelets and Beauty n Duty Accessories, to showcase their beautiful collection of beads, bracelets, necklaces and other accessories.

If you like beauty, portraits, pretty girls, fashion, make up and photography, then you will like these images.

Be sure to check our website http://cognitostudiosphotography.com for more detail on our services.

Thanks for visiting.

Studio Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 11:14:00 +0000

Book a session with us today. Email: info@cognitostudiosphotography.com

Wedding photos - Valerie and Chuma - Cognito Studios Photography Abuja, Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 00:02:00 +0000

Beautiful Wedding photos from a recent wedding here in Abuja

Photos from the Abuja edition of WED Expo 2015 - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 00:01:00 +0000

More photos from the Nigeria wedding industry's most anticipated event

Photos from Abuja's WED Expo event - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 23:26:00 +0000

Everyday for three days from 12 noon to 8 pm, the M & M Event Center, Garki, Abuja was a beehive of fun, entertainment, business consultations and much more as WED Expo hosted a fun exhibition in the capital city. Cognito Studios had the opportunity to exhibit beautiful samples of the work and services we have to offer ranging from photography for weddings, events and portraits to specific photography projects.

The highlight for us was the opportunity to interact with fans and clients, with whom we had engaging discussions about our work and of course their needs. We also had the opportunity to network with other players in the industry.

Below are some photos from the memorable event.

Watch out for part 2.

Thanks for dropping by.

Pre Wedding Photos Part 1 - Blessing and George - Abuja Winners of My Big Nigerian Wedding Season 2

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 19:48:00 +0000

Hi everyone!

You may have already heard about the lovely couple who won the Abuja edition of My Big Nigerian Wedding competition that took place as part of the WEDExpo 2015 event - Blessing and George.

This is a contest where winning couples get the wedding of their dreams sponsored to the tune of N15 Million. The lucky winners are rewarded with an all-expense-paid wedding and honeymoon in Abu Dhabi. Their wedding will be planned and co-ordinated by some of the best wedding vendors in the country.
Hundreds of couples entered for the competition when the call for entry was made in October 2014. The voting period was a very exciting one as these couples were pruned down to the Top 50. Voting again resumed for the Top 50 couples and closed finally on 15th March 2015.

Cognito Studios is proud to be one of the vendors who are making the dream of this lovely couple come true. We met with the couple (we were happy to know they were already fans of our work and following our social media platforms) and we planned for a pre wedding shoot along the themes of fun and romance.Blessing and George are almost a case of 'opposites attract', George the cool, calm, collected brother and Blessing gregarious, fun-loving, playful and warm.

As we always do, we planned for photos that showed the couple in their natural element, being themselves and letting the chemistry and connection between them speak through the pictures. We also decided to get creative with selecting locations and one of the scenes required us climbing up a high rock to get a view of the sunset over the Abuja cityscape.

In this post I will share photos from the first location - Maitama Amusement Park Abuja

Blessing & George will be getting married on 28th August 2015 at The Pearl Arena @ Emerald Park in Abuja. Do drop a message for them in the comment section below. Also tell us what you think of the photos.

Thanks

Hello Brides - Planning for your wedding?

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 16:50:00 +0000

Getting ready for your wedding? Take a look at these beautiful dresses captured during a photo session with top bridal dress vendors in Abuja. For more on beautiful fabrics for your wedding, see this earlier post: http://cognitostudios.blogspot.com/2015/07/beautiful-fabrics-make-up-and-more.html

Yoruba Bride

Ibo Bride

Beautiful Hausa Bride

Beautiful Bride

Exquisite Hausa Bride

Hausa Bride

Beautiful Bride

Special Thanks to all the vendors that made the shoot possible
Fabrics @fabricsnbeyond, makeup@ami_mansur, jewelry @beadsbyoma, asooke @molbaks_alasooke, bridal hairstyling @chatoyerbeautylounge, bridal gowns @qupidbridals,@toshowoods, photography@shawn_cognitostudios, outfit designer@fittedaffairs, shoes @zinellaabuja model@fateemissouri

Beautiful Fabrics, Make Up and More - Fashion Photoshoot with Cognito Studios

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 19:34:00 +0000

Fabrics, accessories and styling by Fabrics and Beyond (Instagram @fabricsnbeyond)

Make Up by PoshBelle MakeUp Studio (IG: @poshbelle__makeupstudio)

Models: Vicky and Lizzy (@vicky_edozie and @miz_juicyliz)

Photography by yours truly (IG: @shawn_cognitostudios)

Location: Shot and edited at the world class Cognito Studios, Abuja

See more photos on Instagram when you follow all these accounts.

Fresh and not so fresh from the studio - Cognito Studios Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 21:47:00 +0000

Promised to be more regular with updates. Here are a few photos from recent and not so recent photo shoots. Please like, comment and share. Thanks for visiting!

Model: Zanswat

Model: Ene

Model: Shawn

Bible themed shoot for Imbue Magazine

Cognito Studios Weddings - Details always matter

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 17:29:00 +0000

Do follow us on Instagram (@shawn_cognitostudios) Facebook (facebook.com/Cognito.Studios) Twitter (twitter.com/CognitoStudios) . Thanks for dropping by.

Photoshoot with Miss Tourism International Nigeria, Cognito Studios Abuja

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 21:18:00 +0000

Here are a few photos from an awesome series with the beauty Queen Victoria (@glam_baroness on Instagram) Had fun working with her and Chioma Igbokwe of Zapel World, a talented fashion designer (@zapelworld). Victoria is the reigning Miss Tourism International Nigeria and was one of the top 10 favorites/finalists at the 2014 Miss Tourism International in Malaysia December last year. She is truly beautiful and so easy to work with.

Photography: Yours truly
Styling and Wardrobe: @zapelworld
Beauty Queen: @glam_baroness
Location: Shot at the #worldclass Cognito Studios Abuja

Victoria isn't just a beautiful human being, but as a beauty pageant winner she also nurtures a passion to use her influence to enhancing the lives of under privileged children.

Miss Victoria spent the new year's eve of 2015 on stage contesting for the enviable Miss Tourism International World Pageant title along 62 delegates representing their countries in which she emerged the only African contestant to have emerged among the top ten finalists. Must take loads of confidence to gracefully achieve such milestones, and that confidence carries over into the studio, where during the photo shoot, Vicky was so at ease and dropping those poses like they were hot.... Chioma Igbokwe who handled the styling and wardrobe for this shoot is simply a bundle of creative energy. And her portfolio is amazing

New Post - Images from a recent Photo shoot, Cognito Studios Abuja

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 12:22:00 +0000

Been a while I posted on this blog. My sincere apologies to our followers. Here is a quick one from a recent shoot we did at the studio. Promise to keep this blog updated more frequently.
Model: @ifycreamy (Instagram)

Which edit do you prefer? Do drop a comment.

No to Xenophobia, We are One, We are Africa - Creative Themed Photoshoot

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 20:19:00 +0000

We all heard about, read and witnessed the brutal violence that engulfed some suburbs/areas of South Africa. I personally don't understand the violent killing of innocent civilians; in one video I saw children being set on fire.

As if we don't have enough problems in Africa as it is.

We the whole crew at Cognito Studios decided to put something together using what we know best, to pass a message across, not just against the xenophobic attacks, but against all types of wanton violence - violence against women including rape, abuse of children and ethnic massacres.

After each photo I will write what the photo means to me and the message we wish to pass across, but as with any other art form, the photos are open to your own particular interpretation. Please do share your own thoughts as comments and do share the post with others.

Thanks!

Model: @xanswat (Instagram)

Make Up: @xanswat

Styling: @xanswat, @shawn_cognitostudios

Photography and Edits: @shawn_cognitostudios

Studio Assistant: @TimmyOlaoye

Text: @shawn_cognitostudios

Africa! The Dark Continent! Is it because of the color of our skin, or actually because of the prevalence of ignorance and poverty. The absence of light breeds dark evils such as political oppression, ethnic bigotry and hatred, genocide and xenophobia. Wake up Africa! Arise and let your light shine!

Africa! Who else can love you but Africans? Why do we wait for foreigners to bring help to our shores. Why do we love to hate ourselves and hate to love ourselves? Africa! Your love is within you!

Beautiful Africa! Your beauty is amazing. Your lands filled with jewels, precious people with wonderful talents. Together united we can harness all these powers and transform our lives for good. Africa, you are beautiful!

Africa! Please stop the killing. Stop the violence. Stop hurting one another. Africa raises her arms against the evil slayer. "Don't hurt me. Don't kill my children!"

If only you would open your eyes Africa! See the beauty and power that lies within. See the potential we are blessed with. See that within yourselves lies the power to bring about emancipation and true independence from foreign donors. For many of these 'helpers' are only wolves in sheep's clothing

Africa! Reach out to one another. Reach for the stars. Reach for greatness. Greatness is your birthright!. Your inheritance.

X stands for No. No to xenophobia. No to killings and murder. No to terrorism. No to rape and violence against women. No to child trafficking and abuse. We say No!!

Africa we pray...we pray for peace. We pray for love, unity and harmony. We pray for light - an abundance of wealth and knowledge. We pray against sickness and plagues. We pray against war. We pray for the future of our children. We pray for Africa!

Africa unite! Be bonded not just with your hands but with your hearts. Be one in vision and in life. Together we stand, for a nation divided against itself shall fall. Africa unite!

Thanks to the lovely Zanswat Bowsan, our model for the shoot. Zan is a graduate of English language from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She loves music, photography and is a low key make up artist. She has worked with Chocolate City Entertainment as well as Leadership Newspapers as a senior correspondent. Zan is gifted with beauty, confidence and the ability to make photos jump! Follow her on Instagram @xanswat

Throwback Photo Session with Zahara Models Abuja

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 19:26:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

Was skimming through my archives the other day when I stumbled into a folder containing some photo shoots done back in 2012. One of them was with Zahara Model Management here in Abuja. I have learnt a lot about editing since then and since these were raw files, I decided to edit them again. I like the final outcome. I hope you do too.

Zahara Models is a premier modeling agency in Abuja. They recently opened shop in Lagos too so get ready Lagos peeps! Zahara's got experienced models, and its a place where new faces are discovered everyday and a place where clients know they'll find what they're looking for, whether it be models for high fashion or commercial modeling. They got it all.

Go to www.ZaharaModels.com for info!

PS. If you are on Instagram be sure to hook up with us: @shawn_cognitostudios (click to go straight to our page) and @zaharamodels

When last did you treat yourself to a nice photo shoot?

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 15:21:00 +0000

It's been a busy past few weeks. A couple of photo shoots here and there, a wedding or two. But you know that for us, busy means fun. Here are a few photos from a recent photo session at our studio here in Abuja. We recently got a grey studio backdrop, and I must say, I like the final outcome.

Tell us what you think by dropping a comment. And hey, book a photoshoot with us.

Call 08069470489 or 08029001819

Photo sessions at the studio

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 19:27:00 +0000

Hi friends. How was Valentine's day? Too bad we couldn't post something Valentine-ish on that day but trust me, we were inspired to start a photography project centered around the theme of love. Won't tell you what it's called for now but do stay tuned. This year promises to be exciting.

In the meantime here are a few favorites from a recent photo shoot at our world class Abuja studio.

If you like what we do please always share our blog with your friends.

Godwin and Sally Pre wedding shoot with Cognito Studios Abuja plus Special Valentine Promo for Intending Couples!

noreply@blogger.com (Shawn) — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 12:57:00 +0000

Intending couples! Here are a few photos from a lovely pre wedding photo shoot for our dear friends Godwin and Sally sometime last year.

Interestingly we are offering a special Valentines season promo - 60% price slash for an indoor session at our studio in Wuse zone 7. The icing on the cake is (for the lucky ones) the first 10 couples get it done for free!!! This offer only lasts till Febriary 24th though, so...spread the word and come get your photo session.